https://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=4513323 Pope John Paul II died April 2 at his Vatican apartment after a long battle with Parkinson's disease and more recent health problems dating to February. The 84-year-old pontiff survived an assassination attempt earlier in his papacy. en Copyright 2024 NPR - For Personal Use Only Story API Shim 1.2.24 Mon, 14 Apr 2025 04:37:40 -0400 https://media.npr.org/images/podcasts/primary/npr_generic_image_300.jpg?s=200 https://www.npr.org/series/4513323/the-pope-s-suffering-ends In Wadowice, Pope John Paul II's home town, Poles await the passing of a beloved native son. Some remember him as a youngster in school and a parish priest who reached out to different kinds of people and stood up to Nazi and Communist rule in Poland. Sat, 02 Apr 2005 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.npr.org/2005/04/02/4572639/wadowice-celebrates-popes-polish-legacy https://www.npr.org/2005/04/02/4572639/wadowice-celebrates-popes-polish-legacy In Wadowice, Pope John Paul II's home town, Poles await the passing of a beloved native son. Some remember him as a youngster in school and a parish priest who reached out to different kinds of people and stood up to Nazi and Communist rule in Poland.

]]> Scott Simon Theologian Michael Novak remembers his long friendship with Pope John Paul II, the pontiff's core values and his efforts to reach out to a larger world. He emphasizes the pope's motto: "Be not afraid." Sat, 02 Apr 2005 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.npr.org/2005/04/02/4572642/theologian-reflects-on-popes-values https://www.npr.org/2005/04/02/4572642/theologian-reflects-on-popes-values Theologian Michael Novak remembers his long friendship with Pope John Paul II, the pontiff's core values and his efforts to reach out to a larger world. He emphasizes the pope's motto: "Be not afraid."

]]> Pope John Paul II's closest aides surround him as he lies near death in his home at the Vatican. He is aware, Vatican authorities say, that the end is near. Outside, a huge crowd stands vigil in St. Peter's square, praying for the pope's welfare and celebrating his life. Sat, 02 Apr 2005 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.npr.org/2005/04/02/4572636/aides-at-bedside-crowds-in-square-wait-with-pope https://www.npr.org/2005/04/02/4572636/aides-at-bedside-crowds-in-square-wait-with-pope Pope John Paul II's closest aides surround him as he lies near death in his home at the Vatican. He is aware, Vatican authorities say, that the end is near. Outside, a huge crowd stands vigil in St. Peter's square, praying for the pope's welfare and celebrating his life.

]]> Michele Norris talks with Michael Novak, a scholar at the American Enterprise Institute and author of <EM>The Universal Hunger for Liberation</EM>. Novak has met several times with the Pope through his 26-year papacy and talks about his legacy, influence on Eastern Europe and liberation theology. Fri, 01 Apr 2005 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.npr.org/2005/04/01/4571940/examining-the-popes-legacy https://www.npr.org/2005/04/01/4571940/examining-the-popes-legacy Michele Norris talks with Michael Novak, a scholar at the American Enterprise Institute and author of The Universal Hunger for Liberation. Novak has met several times with the Pope through his 26-year papacy and talks about his legacy, influence on Eastern Europe and liberation theology.

]]> Michele Norris Tens of thousands of Christians gathered in St. Peter's Square in Rome for Easter Mass saw Pope John Paul II bless them with the sign of the cross, but the ailing pontiff did not celebrate mass. NPR's Debbie Elliott speaks with John Allen of <EM>The National Catholic Reporter</EM>. Sun, 27 Mar 2005 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.npr.org/2005/03/27/4563150/pope-john-paul-offers-silent-easter-blessings https://www.npr.org/2005/03/27/4563150/pope-john-paul-offers-silent-easter-blessings Tens of thousands of Christians gathered in St. Peter's Square in Rome for Easter Mass saw Pope John Paul II bless them with the sign of the cross, but the ailing pontiff did not celebrate mass. NPR's Debbie Elliott speaks with John Allen of The National Catholic Reporter.

]]> Debbie Elliott